So until the Edmonton Oilers name a successor to Craig MacTavish, all they can do is worry about is preparing for next season.

"I think after being away from it for a couple of weeks, I think there is a sense of excitement because we haven't been successful, and we know there is a change coming with our coach and I'm sure there are going to be more changes coming," said defenceman Steve Staios. "Hopefully that'll bring back that passion that we've played with in the past here and bring good, positive results for our team.

"As far as the coach, I think it'll be one step and overall, I think it'll be a real positive thing for us."

It's the first time in nearly a decade the Oilers are going into a season without MacTavish behind the bench.

After nine years, the Oilers relieved him of his duties as the team failed to make the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

The Oilers have yet to find a replacement.

"I think change is a good thing sometimes, and you have to embrace it," Staios said. "Whatever the changes are, it'll be different, it'll be refreshing. I think you just have to embrace the change and get ourselves back to how we were playing.

"Last year was disappointing because we've had losing seasons before, but I don't think we had one like we had last year. I think last year was one without a lot of heart and passion and not as much energy as we normally play with. That's what I'm looking forward to next year."

Yesterday Staios, Kyle Brodziak, Zack Stortini and Steve MacIntyre were signing autographs at the Edmonton Capitals season opener. The Golden League Baseball team is owned by the Oilers.

It won't be long before they're back at their off-season training programs.

"Next season is, obviously, going is going to be different, everyone was pretty disappointed in how the year went," Brodziak said. "Everyone has to evaluate the way they prepare themselves coming into the season. Guys are expecting some changes and I think we'll wait and see what happens with those. We just have to make sure we come in prepared.

"A new coach is obviously going to be important to the team, but it's out of our control. Once they decide to name a new head coach, that's probably when I'll decide to pay more attention to it."

Since MacTavish was let go, there has been plenty of speculation as to who the next head coach of the Oilers will be.

There are a number of quality candidates available, but general manager Steve Tambellini has been tight-lipped as to who he's talked to about the position.

The players themselves have been kept in the dark.

"For us, if we're asked questions, we'll try and give our input," Staios said. "But we totally trust our management staff and everyone that makes those decisions. I think for us it's important to just prepare ourselves for the season, just do our job. We're all confident that we'll get the right guy."

Staios has not had a lot of dialogue with MacTavish since he was let go. But considering the disappointment of the season, he knew the odds of playing for a new head coach next year were going to be high.

"I think everyone had a sense that a change was coming," Staios said. "It's a difficult position and a difficult job as a head coach in the National Hockey League. There is always a lot of turnover in that position and I don't think anyone was that surprised."